Endorsements

"I’ve had a positive experience working with Monika. In five months, she helped me strengthen and develop new leadership skills, which my peers took notice of in my performance review. I chose Monika over other coaches because she consistently demonstrates her experience and expertise, she always comes prepared with relevant materials and exercises, and she approaches every situation with empathy and sensitivity. I can tell that she cares deeply about her clients because she regularly checked in on how I was doing personally as well as professionally, and she suggested readings and other materials in between sessions as she discovered them. I highly recommend working with Monika to anyone seeking to develop mindfulness and leadership skills."Jessica Metro, Product Designer at Facebook

"Monika and I worked together over several months. She is a great listener that provides direct, actionable, and highly-incisive feedback with empathy. She is very experienced and it came through in every one of my meetings with her. She also provided me with a set of curated learning materials that have been incredibly valuable. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking to develop their emotional intelligence at work, and become generally more mindful and self-aware."Eric Hu, Corporate Development at Facebook

Private Clients

"I came to Monika at a time when I felt like a floating boat without a paddle. I had been out of work for months and was seriously looking at the end of any financial security. Something about her confidence that work was out there for me to create for myself told me that career coaching with her was a worthy investment. Monika cut right through my sinking frustrations and got me thinking proactively. Within a few sessions, she helped me focus in and articulate what I was going to do in the world. In this process, a job opportunity came my way, and Monika's experienced coaching helped me secure that position. Now, my career is in a much better situation than it ever was in before. My biggest epiphany through working with her was to realize exactly what I want to do, and I discovered that it is out there for me. I am grateful to Monika for her guidance and confidence in me, which turned this difficult transition into a success. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to get up and make things happen for themselves."Theatre Professional, 38

"I highly recommend Monika for both therapy and career counseling. I initially came to see her after suffering stress-related trauma at work. She helped me learn techniques for stress management and overcome an ongoing sense of imbalance. From there, she was able to provide me with general therapy for marital issues, depression and anxiety. At the root of these issues was career dissatisfaction. Monika then became primarily my career counselor and coach. We worked on my priorities and life goals. Ultimately, I found myself returning to the field of education/teaching and curriculum development. She helped me zero in on what made me the most fulfilled professionally. Since working with her, I've had the most clarity and determination I've had in years. From our work together, I also have concrete tools, like a "wheel of integrity", that I can constantly check in with so that I don't lose my way again. I wouldn't hesitate to send a friend to Monika."Education/Teaching professional, 39

"I was able to put Monika's multiple skills to work. Initially, she helped me through some immediate and critical work-life balance issues, as I was struggling deeply both as a new mother and a newly-minted company executive. As our work together evolved, she asked provocative questions of me in order to reorganize my expectations of my personal and work life, and how to take care of myself. Our sessions were collegial, and in some cases experimental (for me, at least), all to my immense benefit over the course of almost 3 years." Professional in San Francisco/Berkeley, CA.

"Monika is great. She respected and encouraged my aspirations while helping me build practical plans to make them a reality. She provided resources -- everything from business-planning guides to personal contacts -- and feedback so I felt I didn't have to go through it alone, and she helped me see how skills I already possessed could be applied in new ways to further my goals. She even came up with ideas and suggestions I'd never have thought of myself, and gave me the courage to try them. I'm really glad I invested in Monika's career counseling; I have a new sense of purpose and the confidence that comes from knowing she has my back."Diversity Advocate, 27

“I knew that I was becoming increasingly more anxious each day, and I wanted to find a professional to help me. Monika was the first therapist that I ever reached out to. From our first consultation meeting, I knew that she would have a great impact on my life as she was both empathetic and an active listener. She helped me to understand that my anxiety and depression stemmed largely on the fact that I was stuck in a toxic environment, with a boss who didn’t value my skills and co-workers who overstepped personal boundaries. As a career counselor and coach, she encouraged me to come to the decision that I didn’t need to stay in a workplace where I felt unfulfilled and in a career that I was not passionate about. I ultimately left my workplace and it was one of the most liberating feelings. I honestly felt that I could not have done that on my own without her support and guidance. I would not hesitate to recommend Monika to a friend. Thanks Monika for your help!!Organization Development Process Consultant in-training, 29

"I have been trying to transition to a new career but found myself getting stuck. Monika was invaluable in helping me figure out my direction based on what I am really passionate about, not what I think I "should" be doing. Thanks to Monika, I learned how to listen to myself better, and I am now able to give myself permission to go out on a limb a little and pursue my dreams. I highly recommend Monika for anyone in a career transition!"Writer, 50

"After 25 years as a finance executive, I was beginning to think of making a change—“is there anything else I can or want to do with my life?”—while I was still young enough to have a next career. I was already thinking somewhat broadly and had talked with recruiters in finance and technology and with many friends. But I also wanted to talk with someone more “neutral” about how you think about career and changes. Monika helped me consider what I was looking for, articulate more clearly why I wanted to change, and especially helped me think more broadly about possibilities. Eventually I decided to make a big change, to community development work, which I am even more convinced was the right step for me now, months later. The friends and recruiters are too! Even though this was not among the possibilities we had discussed earlier. Without the work with Monika, I do not believe I would have thought about this decision as clearly or arrived at the same conclusion. I highly recommend making the investment in career coaching with Monika when you are considering big decisions or face significant transitions (maybe at other times too!). It’s at least an important sanity check on your thinking and at best will help you find a course you could not see on your own."Finance Executive, 50

"You helped me gain clarity in my job search and added much reassurance in a time of instability. Having you to speak to about the process and your insight was an essential part of my personal growth and overall confidence. Thank you Monika, you are a gem!"Client Coordinator, 31

"Monika is a breath of fresh air! I have never met anyone in my professional life who understood me and my personality as quickly as Monika was able to, which allowed us to make progress on my coaching goals much faster than I had expected. Monika's belief in me and her continued support has been wonderful and has challenged me to push myself further than I would have on my own, thus opening me up to new experiences and opportunities. Thanks Monika!”Banking professional/HR Manager

"Monika's breadth of knowledge across multiple professions and her shrewd interpersonal skills are both phenomenally extensive and remarkably strong, respectively. Additionally, her impressive savvy is transmitted softly, respectfully, and with her clients best interests and sensitivities in mind. If you are looking to polish up your resume or feel bogged down by career impasses, look no further. As cunning as she is compassionate, I highly recommend Monika for career guidance, confidence bolstering, and professional self-remodeling.” Psychotherapist (MFTI)

“Monika is an incredibly dynamic coach who is able to see many perspectives. She holds a vision of my life that is beyond my own imagination and makes a great effort at putting that vision into action. She is a great motivator; she is tough when necessary, and kind when needed. I cannot say enough about her good intentions.” UX Designer

"I think Monika is one of the most inspiring individuals I have met. Working with Monika helped me clarify my career path by sharing her valuable knowledge, experience and resource. She was very supportive with my ideas and thoughts about my career choice. I am in a career transition and was seeking a mentor for guidance. Monika did just that–MENTORED!!! If you are unclear of your path, whether career or life, I recommend Monika! She continues to educate herself, so she can continue to educate us."MA Transformative Leadership

"I came to Monika looking for help...ASAP! I had been laid off for months, looking for work as an Executive Assistant. I was working 3 jobs trying to stay afloat, I was burnt out and stressed beyond belief! I felt I needed a change...and fast or I was going to have a nervous break down. I'm 28 yrs old and never finished my degree and I knew I did not want to be an Assistant for the rest of my life. So I figured I should really go back to school, but how could I afford it? What is it that I really want to do with my life? I needed guidance! So I did my research on Career Coaching online. Something about Monika's energy and presence drew me to her. I purchased a bundle of sessions and through working with Monika I am back on track. I'm now a full time student, my old company hired me back to work part time while I go to school and I am HAPPY once again. Monika helped me to discover my strengths, what career path I should pursue and gave me all the encouragement and support I so desperately needed. I even finished the coaching before my sessions ran out...I am that confident with our journey together! She ensured me that the additional sessions would not expire and that I can use them when I need her help in the future...which I'm sure I will need when I transfer to the University I have my eyes on. Thank you, Monika, this was the best investment I could have made for myself!"Student, 28

"My work with you has been enlightening. I am discovering different ways to think about myself and my relationships with others. I believe I am on a path to find work which honors my personal values."

"Recently, a friend and former colleague recommended I meet with Monika. I’m in the process of getting my writing career back on track, plus I’m also embarking upon a new business that’s a complete departure from writing. Monika provided me with the tools and suggestions I needed to get started on the new venture — she offered invaluable ideas I would have never thought of and for that I am incredibly grateful. I’m looking forward to meeting with her again when I’m ready for phase two of the new business!"

"I heard about Monika from a friend who recommended her so highly that I had to sign up. My experience has been transformative, at a fundamental level. Monika has a clear methodology for helping people effect lasting change in their lives and their careers. She can help you start actively defining where you want to go, and understand why and how. ... I'm really impressed with what I've experienced so far, especially the depth and structure of the methodology. I wasn't expecting so much theory to be augmenting and supporting the process, but I'm glad it's there. Monika's ability to be flexible but also know when to move back on track has been very helpful, since I can get into tangents quite easily. I also appreciate the strong goal orientation of our process. I can't think of anything that I would want that is missing from this experience. It's a lot harder than I expected, and Monika is doing a fantastic job in my view! ... I've not only enjoyed our sessions, but I'm amazed at the path I'm on, and I wouldn't be here without having worked with you."Marketing Executive

"I found the 10 sessions to be extremely helpful in understanding the workings of self-motivation. Your process is much more comprehensive than what we encounter in corporate goal-setting, and it's great to see how aligning goals with values and abilities leads to peak performance. For me, 6 sessions wasn't long enough to delve into the topics, and 10 was perfect."Marketing Executive

"Monika mentioned her coaching walks, and I had to try it out: The Pacific Ocean, sun, and a coaching session! As it turns out, I would recommend this highly, and would do more of my sessions as walks. We had a deeply introspective session that was inspired by the beautiful surroundings and the rhythm of the walk. The terrain also lent an unexpected but useful narrative structure to our talk (approach/hills/descent and return).Marketing Executive

"Monika, you have an energetic and active listening style. Your questions are engaging, and, influential in keeping me centered and providing an open pathway for possibilities in my career and life."

"After my short coaching session with you, I took the ideas you provided, created an action plan and completely immersed myself in my job-search. In this struggling economy, I need to be super focused and put all my efforts into finding a new job! Your insights and advice were really helpful because you challenged me to examine my life and look closely inside, to re-assess my passions, my interests and what path I should follow. I can see from just one session that your technique is exceptional. You helped me come up with new ideas and offered great suggestions for my career. I definitely feel I got my money's worth, and I will certainly recommend you to all my colleagues and friends!"Account Manager

"I came to Monika seeking better work/life balance, and deeper pursuit of my personal passions. Through her guided expertise and thoughtful approach, I was able to accomplish my personal goals and embark on a bigger journey that has vastly improved the quality of my life. ... Monika has very quickly brought a level of focus and truth to our work that has helped me discover areas of opportunity both in my life and my work. She has a structured, goal-oriented process, yet her work helps to nurture the soul."Marketing Executive

"Monika is exceptionally smart and gave me invaluable advice and assistance when I wanted to launch into something that's a little new for me–teaching corporate seminars. Working with her was a lot of fun (I didn't expect that writing a corporate proposal would be fun) and her suggestions opened up my creativity. In addition to being smart and savvy, she is also kind and enthusiastic. I greatly enjoyed working with her and I highly recommend her to others."Professor

Endorsement for Strategy Offsite Facilitation, using The World Cafe Method

"Monika is a fantastic facilitator and exceptional leader. With little time, she put together a great retreat for our startup and helped us finesse a roadmap for many of our objectives."Charla Rodney, Basis Science

Endorsement for Career Workshop taught at Stanford University

“I cannot speak highly enough of Monika, a new friend of mine who I could not have met a moment too soon. After learning about her through my interest in GoogleEDU, I invited her to lead a coaching workshop about creating a meaningful career for my upperclass residents here at Stanford. Her guidance was and is invaluable, and her incredible presence, wisdom and passion for her work are impossible to ignore. As a role model and mentor, Monika has truly inspired my own career path and I am so grateful to have met her. I fully intend to invite her back for another workshop next quarter!” Regina Getz-Kikuchi

Endorsement for Conflict Resolution Workshop taught at Goodwill International

“The Finance Team at our agency hired Monika to help our team work better together. Monika got directly to the heart of the matter in only a few sessions, provided our team with a safe place to voice concerns, and provided all of us -- at all levels -- with practical tools to keep our work running efficiently.”Andrea M, Goodwill

Endorsements for workshops facilitated by Monika Broecker and Mariah Howard

"Becoming Your Own Professional Coach" at Califonia Institute of Integral Studies, Public Programs

"I want to thank you both for your tremendously helpful class yesterday. This morning I was able to use the mind-mapping to make significant progress on the problem of choosing a topic for my dissertation. I know that the other tools that you shared will also be of great benefit to me as I move forth into my sustainable work and life. Thank you again for your compassionate and wise facilitation. Like the best teachers do, you helped me to access my own self trust and knowing." Katie, LCSW and PhD. student

"It showed me that I can look at my situation in a new way and introduced tools for doing that and working from there. [The instructors] ... did a great job of building on and tracking what the students brought to the workshop. Getting us to perform exercises was key to the learning."

"Very positive. Very helpful to me. Good content. Knowledgeable presenters. The complementary styles of the presenters and their open and engaging approach [worked well]. Everything worked very well."

"Positive. Came at a good time for helping me focus on next steps. Really appreciated the responsiveness of facilitators. Valued their flexibility in creating a workshop that would speak to the needs of the participants. Liked content, format, length... overall was really wonderful."

"Thought this was thoughtfully laid out and a nice combination of personal reflection and group work. I liked the various styles brought in through having two facilitators. I liked the fact that this was not a one size fits all approach and was tailored to our group."

"Creating a More Sustainable Work and Lifestyle" at Califonia Institute of Integral Studies, Public Programs

"Interesting and coherent. Generosity of spirit encourages participation. Handouts are exceptionally well-developed. These two [instructors] are very helpful to each of us."

"Creative and evocative methods to explore my desires. [The instructors] had many techniques to evoke change. Very friendly and flexible."

"It was well-balanced: physical, mental, emotional stimulation."

"I appreciated the social pressure to attempt the exercises, and learned more about what worked for me. [The instructors] were flexible in adapting to what was working for people. Using big pieces of paper and art supplied expanded my thinking."

"Unfortunately had to miss a day so only 3 sessions was a bit short for what I was hoping to accomplish but it gave plenty of ideas and resources for confirming on my own."

"Glad that we kept to outline and got to do everything. Love the balance between the 2 presenters; both equally important."

"It was very good. I got some good ideas to move forward. The style and organization worked well. I really liked the visual aspect of the workshop. I thought everything worked well."

"Positive, insightful, helpful. Monika and Mariah work well together."

First Feedback on Happiness Cards

"The cards are spiritually uplifting. I love them. Thanks for making them. Simple but beautiful." Lois Ross, New York, New York

"The cards are a great way for me to start my day. I pick one in the morning, and it sort of sets a tone (a positive tone). I feel these will be a huge help as I face my monumental challenges. Thank you. Absolutely beautiful! Anjela, Darien, CT

Endorsements by colleagues

Therapy colleagues

"Monika Broecker has made profound, original revolutionary contributions to the field of brief therapy and business – i.e. management sciences and organization theory -, applying a unique combination of epistemological insights. ... She is undoubtedly an individual of extraordinary ability who has risen to the very top of her field.Paul Watzlawick

"As you may have noticed, my colleagues and I very much enjoyed your stay at the MRI, because - as you know - our Institute originated and grew out of the collaboration of professionals who were able to bring in new perspectives, new epistemological orientations and new techniques from which we all learned. As the second most senior member of the Institute is has been very interesting, and pleasant for me to collaborate with you. I especially enjoyed our conversations about your work on constructivist ethics - a concept that for me opens new dimensions on my work with constructivism. We appreciated your participation in and contribution to our Residency Program from March to June 1998, to our Brief Therapy Intensive from September 1998 to May 1999 as well as to other trainings such as my workshop Psychotherapy of "As If" in April of 1998. I am pleased that - in addition to all the other work you did - you often participated in the work of the Brief Therapy Center during the last five years. My colleagues and I are very grateful for your tremendous help in planning and coordination of our International Conference "Shoulders of Giants" that took place in 2002. Your lecture in honor of Heinz von Foerster, in which you presented how the concept of implicit ethics can be applied to systemi therapy, was very insightful for all of us here at the MRI. Kindly let me know when you will be able to come again to the MRI - meanwhile all the best.Paul Watzlawick, Ph.D. Senior Research Fellow, Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, 2003

"It is with great pride and pleasure that I put forward this letter to acknowledge and support the outstanding achievements and the international reputation of my colleague and friend Monika Broecker. Her work and collaboration with Heinz Von Foerster made her earn my greatest respect and appreciation over the years. In fact, as the elected Director and Coordinator of the European Conference in Brief Strategic and Systemic Therapy, I personally requested her participation as a key speaker during both international events held in 2003 and 2005. I strongly believe that nobody knows and can pass through Heinz’s work better than Monika Broecker. Following the first conference held in 2003, a European Network was formed. This Network is a means of exchanging data and results to help the advancement of brief Strategic and Systemic Therapy. Given Monika’s professional achievements and contribution to the network, she was immediately appointed honorable member of the Network by the Board of Directors. Monika’s experience and great professionalism, made it possible to collaborate in the publication of various articles but I’m especially honored to have collaborated with Monika Broecker in the publication of the special edition of Kybernatics (2005) in tribute to the great master Heinz Von Foerster.Giorgio Nardone

Director of the Post Graduate School of Brief Strategic Psychotherapy (Arezzo, Italy) and the School of Managerial Training in Communication and Strategic Problem Solving (Arezzo/Milan, Italy); Co-founder (with Paul Watzlawick) of the Centro di Terapia Strategica, Arezzo, Italy

"Monika is a remarkable human being whose destiny has included playing an important role in recent history. One of the greatest scientists of our time, Professor Heinz von Foerster, was a founder of cybernetics, the original science of complexity. In the last years of his life, he chose Monika to articulate a new understanding of how we may participate in the world. Their recorded conversations became the book, Part of the World. Monika's intellectual background, combined with her many apprenticeships in the transformative arts, make her an ideal leader for bringing the news we need in order to become more fully human."Bradford Keeney, Ph.D., Professor, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco; and author of over 30 books, including The Creative Therapist.

"I have known and worked with Monika on a number of projects over that last 7 years. She is reliable, highly creative and intelligent, takes initiative, helps others work effectively together. She is dedicated, passionate, and she has a deep understanding of systemic and constructivist theory and how to use them effectively in the world of work. Without qualification, I give her the highest possible recommendation as a systemic facilitator and coach.”Wendel Ray, Ph.D. Professor of Family System Theory, University of Louisiana-Monroe"

Silicon Valley Colleagues

"Monika is a great workshop facilitator with interesting approaches and ideas."

Debbie Giosonni, President and CEO, Stillheart Institute

“Monika not only thinks outside the box, she squashes it all together. It is refreshing to come across someone as blunt, open, creative, innovative and passionate. A highly inspiring person who walks her talk joyfully!”Jenny Ward, Owner, Playward

“Monika is extraordinary. Rarely have I ever come across anybody with the bold combination of keen insight, nuanced understanding, and sensitivity to the dynamics that challenge rational thought and the analytical mind. Her engaging style and seemingly cheerful outlook do not prevent her from drilling into the heart of the matter and then deftly delivering potentially difficult (and valuable) messages to those lucky enough to work with her.” Harry Max, Harry Max & Associates, Development & Leadership Coach

For Workshop Testimonials, please see the respective workshop pages.

Endorsements for Monika's work at Google

“Monika has contributed a great deal to the development of Google University. She is an expert in many areas of personal growth, and brings true passion to her work. She developed and led learning programs, expanded our strategic thinking in her area, mastered complex and often changing administrative details, and built a strong network of friends and colleagues. She is committed to doing her best possible work while maintaining a very strong sense of values and of the dignity of the human person. She will be an asset to an organization that needs a committed leader in this field.”Peter Allen, Ph.D. Director of Google University, Google

“Monika was an engaged, energetic colleague, with a true love of and expertise in the field of personal growth. Her contacts in the field are truly impressive, as is her creativity in developing learning programs to help people develop themselves. Monika is an innovative and generous person who cares deeply about helping others reach their full potential.”Evan Wittenberg, Senior Manager, Leadership Development, Google

“Monika's greatest personal strength is compassion. Monika has deep and genuine desire to help people be free from suffering and achieve happiness and holistic wellness. Her compassion is very inspiring. Monika works really really hard and gets a lot done, almost in a super-human kind of way. She's very dedicated and demonstrated great tenacity at solving problems. It's pretty awesome watching her push through barriers to make things happen. Monika is a person of integrity. She's honest, open, direct and transparent. Her knowledge of holistic health and wellness is very impressive, and she seems to know just about every prominent person in that field. She also has plenty of good ideas. I think Monika will achieve great things for the world in her life.”Chade-Meng Tan, Jolly Good Fellow, Google

“I have had the opportunity of working closely with Monika Broecker for the past several months. The word that best sums up Monika for me, is 'visionary.' She has an uncanny knack for seeing the 'big picture' while understanding the details and phases involved in it's actual achievement. She is also genuinely committed to 'personal growth' within the business community, and speaks with such honesty and passion about her work. As a full time teacher of The Alexander Technique for the past 23 years, author of The Kines-Tech Project and teacher trainer, I have always found it somewhat challenging to explain the depth and all embracing application this work has - especially when organizing programs within Corporations. But not @ Google Inc. This is because - Monika just gets it! Although she was without a doubt busy with many projects, Monika always made herself readily available - answering emails, taking phone calls, organizing meetings promptly and whenever necessary, and being a friendly and welcoming colleague. All her unique qualities have helped and encouraged me to give my best, and to give it with confidence."John A. Baron, vendor to Google

“Monika is a determined and passionate manager who compassionately pursues a vision when she knows it to be constructive and right. It is a pleasure working with her I'd recommend her to anyone who needs a manager who can push projects forward.” Joel Finkelstein, Associate Director, Project Compassion, Stanford University School of Medicine, vendor to Google

“I have known Monika for more than two years as an Improv Enthusiast. I worked closely with her while she was at Google, in leading roles in both Google University's School of Leadership Development and School of Personal Growth. Bringing Improv to Google alone shows her high sense for the creative, innovative and non-mainstream. She also helped us find connections and applications that were insightful, innovative and relevant to the culture and values there. She clearly has a deep dedication to and understanding of personal presence, team collaboration, and human connection. Oh, and she's really fun and easy to work with. And that counts for a lot!”Chris Miller, Lifeplays, vendor to Google

Comments

My daughter needed professional guidance in working with her autobiographical book and Monika has been appropriately sensitive and spiritually compassionate in working with my daughter. Moreover, I love Monika’s energetic and positive attitude, for this journey has taken a path of great healing and empowerment.
Lisa-Marie, Mother & MFTT